Readings: Romans 13:8-10, Ps. 112:1-2,4-5,9, Luke 14:25-33
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26)
In today’s first reading, St. Paul tells us to “owe no one anything except love.” This is the summary of the commandments. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind…. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)
However, as Jesus tells us in today’s Gospel passage, loving our neighbours as ourselves is never easy. This is because the word “neighbour” encompasses those who are not like you, those you will never consider neighbours and those who are determined to kill you. This is what we learn in the parable of the “Good Samaritan.”
If all our “neighbours” love us as much as we love them, there will be no problem. However, experience has shown that not everyone reciprocates the love shown to them. It is a challenge to love your neighbour when that neighbour hates you. The reason many Christians are not Christ-like is that they struggle to show kindness to those who are not kind to them.
When we do not love others (our enemies) as Christ loved us, we are not faithful followers of Jesus. As Jesus puts it: “Whoever does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple…” Today, Jesus wants us to sit down to calculate the actual cost of being His disciples. This process will help us decide whether or not we want to remain his disciples.
If I cannot show love or kindness to my neighbours (those who hate me), I should resign my Christian identity. I cannot claim to be Christ-like while wishing death for my neighbours, as such would amount to living in contradiction to Christ. It is like going to war with an army of 1000 soldiers, hoping to defeat one of 5000.
How do we behave like Christ in a world so divided as ours? How do we practice our Christian faith in a society that does not encourage Christian values? The answer is detachment – constantly reminding ourselves that we do not belong to this world. Jesus is not asking us to hate our family members; instead, Jesus wants us to be so detached that we can always do what is right.
While we are to love our family members as ourselves, we cannot afford to offend God in the name of that love. For instance, economic hardship should not be an excuse for stealing, cheating or killing others. Again, we cannot worship idols in the name of keeping with our family traditions. If your Father and Mother force you to do something against your conscience, Jesus is saying, it is “better to enter heaven with one eye than go to hellfire with both eyes.”
Not even our love for self should come between us and God. If Jesus loved himself, would he have agreed to suffer such a gruesome death for our salvation? Do not be a Christian who prioritises comfort or luxury to the extent that you now disobey God’s commandments in the name of taking care of yourself. Put God first, and He will take care of you; He is truly a loving Father who will never give you stones when you need bread.
On the other hand, just as Jesus was hated by so many, anyone who wants to follow Christ’s footsteps should prepare to have many enemies. Do not be a people-pleaser, or you will compromise your Christian values. Love your neighbour as yourself, but at the same time, don’t be afraid of losing friends if such friendship opposes your relationship with God.
Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God, by whose gift your faithful offer you right and praiseworthy service, grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling to receive the things you have promised. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Wednesday of week 31 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Romans 13:8-10, Ps. 112:1-2,4-5,9, Luke 14:25-33)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu